Medal ceremony for Malaysian veterans is
held in Lisburn

Lisburn City Council's
elected members welcome Colonel Tajri from
the High Commission of Malaysia and Lord
Lieutenant of County Antrim. Lord O'Neill to
Lagan Valley Island for the presentation of
the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medals.

THE First ever all-Ireland presentation of medals to war
veterans who served in Malaysia was held in Lisburn on Saturday

More
than 130 members of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans
Association (NMBVA) and the Royal Ulster Rifles Association
received the prestigious Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal for
distinguished chivalry, gallantry, sacrifice or loyalty while
serving in Malaysia from 1957 and 1966.

A cadet guard of honour and bugler greeted the Malaysian guests,
service veterans, and their families at Lagan Valley Island.

The ceremony was for war veterans from both north and south of
the border who have been recognised by the Malaysian Government
for their services in south-east Asia

Ex-serviceman William Doak, 62. from Lisburn, who received a
medal said: "It really means a lot to get this recognition so
long after the forgotten conflict.

"Lisburn City Council should be praised for hosting the event"

Another
Lisburn Veteran Phil Price, 65, who served in the Royal Navy
added: "It was a fabulous day - very emotional. The Council
deserves praise for hosting it so well."

Major Bob Hayden, NMBA Ireland Branch chairman. who moved to
Lisburn in 1970 said it was an honour for his members.

"We are very pleased that after all these years there is
recognition for us," said Major Hayden.

A number of representatives from the Malaysian High Commission
attended the ceremony, which was officiated by Deputy Mayor,
Councillor James Tinsley Lord Lieutenant O'Neill and the
Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee, Councillor
Jonathan Craig.

Mr Tinsley said: "The people at Saturday's events served the
Commonwealth many years ago in what must have been a hard and
enduring wartime for them. and for their families waiting for
them at home.'

"Many hundreds of service members lost their lives, and it is
fitting for the veterans who came back home from Malaysia to
receive the recognition they so richly deserve."